Grove (48) vs. Windsor (28)

Grove achieved a magnificent league win against previously higher placed rivals Windsor in this 12 x ‘try-fest’ of a game in which both teams contributed to one of the best matches seen at Grove for a long time.

Grove opened the scoring with a try from returning flanker Guy Nicholl after just 5 minutes, and in the absence of injured Mike Martin, wing Danny Ferguson converted for a 7 : 0 lead. Windsor replied immediately with a converted try, between the Grove posts, from their inside centre. This followed some missed tackles by Grove, and so the scores were again level at 7 : 7.

With still less than 10 minutes on the clock, Grove’s scrum half Joe Chilvers shot through to touch down between the Windsor posts and Ferguson supplied the extras for 14 : 7. Grove were now on a real high and it was lock Rory Gratwohl who next crashed over for Grove’s third try but without a successful conversion the score only moved to 19 : 7. Windsor, not to be outdone, struck back immediately with a fine converted try from their left wing, taking the score to 19 : 14. Still having the momentum, it was Windsor who then scored again and with their try converted, took the lead for the first time at 19 : 21.

Grove hit back when inside centre Nick Sevier came close with a storming and elusive run from his own half but it was Ferguson who went over the line for Grove to reclaim the lead and secure a bonus point at the same time. Converting his own try Ferguson put Grove 26 : 21 up. At the same time a Windsor player was yellow carded for allegedly trying to kill the ball but the score remained unchanged until half time.

Grove opened the second half with an immediate yet unconverted try from No. 8 Ben Law and the score moved to 31 : 21. This was followed by Nicholl’s 2nd try of the day but with the conversion missed Grove were now 36 : 21 in the lead. Then, following a dropped high ball by Grove, Windsor gathered and capitalised with a bonus point try to close the gap to 36 : 28.

Despite this set back Grove were now definitely in the ascendancy and following a great passing run from their backs Ferguson claimed his 2nd try, in the corner, for 41 : 28. Gratwohl then forced Windsor backwards with a very powerful charge and although it was Windsor who finally came up with the ball the ‘ever-alert’ Nicholl pounced to intercept and go over unchallenged between the posts for his ‘hat-trick’ try. With Ferguson’s conversion a formality Grove were now 48 : 28 up, this becoming the final score.

Before the end Grove’s hooker Cash Chilvers received a yellow card and passive scrummaging was introduced but it was all too late for Windsor.

This match had been a great advertisement for running rugby with both sides using forwards and backs to great effect to constantly deliver highly adventurous and entertaining attacking play.

Long may it continue!